Episodes
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Ever felt like you can run a team, lead a business, or write a book - yet somehow can’t manage to return a library book or put your laundry away?
In this episode of Pause Purpose Play, I’m digging into the hidden paradox so many women with ADHD face: outward success with chaos underneath the surface. You’ll hear personal reflections and real client stories that reveal how executive dysfunction can sit alongside brilliance, not in opposition to it.
I’ll walk you through:
Why some of the smartest, most capable women struggle with the "simplest" tasks
The emotional toll of being misunderstood (by others and yourself)
How I approach ADHD assessments with both compassion and clinical conscientiousness
If you’ve ever wondered, “How can I be this competent and still feel like I can't do adulting?” - this one’s for you. Let’s explore what’s really going on beneath the surface, and why a deeper, more personalised understanding of ADHD can be a game changer... because you can be smart and successful, and still ADHD. www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhdclub to join other brilliant ADHD women
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In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas welcomes the founders of the Evolve Journal, Sam and Freddie Titcombe. They discuss the development of the Evolve Journal, a tool designed to help people live with more intention, clarity, and consistency by focusing on manageable progress rather than perfection. Sam and Freddie share insights on building healthy journaling habits, the importance of self-kindness, and the value of stoicism in daily life. The conversation highlights the balance of emotional reflection with practical goal-setting, addressing how to manage ADHD traits and the challenges of maintaining consistency. They also touch on the four fundamental pillars of happiness—health, wealth, relationships, and freedom—and provide practical tips for integrating them into daily life. The episode concludes with advice on giving yourself permission to make mistakes and continue striving for growth.
Join the waitlist for the next Burn Bright cohort here: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright
Find the Evolve Journal here: https://www.evolvejourney.co.uk/
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In this solo episode, Michaela explores the discomfort many of us feel when receiving compliments - especially when we’re wired for self-criticism, perfectionism, or modesty. Sharing a personal story from LinkedIn, she unpacks why our inner critics hate being seen and how we can respond with compassionate curiosity instead of avoidance. This episode is for anyone who’s ever cringed at being praised and wants to learn how to receive kindness more fully - without shame or self-doubt.
You’ll hear about:
Why compliments can trigger our inner critic
How upbringing and culture shape our ability to receive kindness
Michaela’s personal experience of public praise on LinkedIn
The two-step process of compassion: sense-making + action-taking
How to lead with vulnerability while staying grounded in your values
Resources mentioned:
Follow Lauren O’Carroll on LinkedIn
Learn more about ADHD coaching for women: The Thomas Connection
Work with Michaela:Feeling called to be more visible - but scared of the inner backlash? Get in touch for 1:1 coaching or find out more about my programmes for neurodivergent women leaders.
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When You Can’t “Just Do It”: Motivation, Self-Discipline & Self-Compassion
You want to do the thing. You care. You’ve got the vision, the list, the intention, and proof that you have done stuff like this before, because you DO achieve things.
And still… nothing. You get stuck procrastafaffing with some irrelevant stuff until you've nearly run out of time. Maybe even feeling ashamed of how hard it feels to "just" start.
If you’ve ever found yourself saying, “Why can’t I just do it?”, then this episode is for you.
Inside, Michaela explores:
Why motivation is so unpredictable for ADHD and burnout-prone brains
The limits of “just push through” thinking and the myth of self-discipline as force
Why self-compassion is not weakness, but a legit performance strategy
What’s actually happening in your nervous system when resistance takes over
Practical ways to get moving again, encouraging yourself with kindness, not shame
You’ll get some evidence-based reframes here:
You don’t need to hustle harder or push through
You need to feel safer - in your body and your brain
Because we can't "just do it" with ADHD, we need to do a little dance with it, creating momentum through taking action and building on that energy step by step, rather than waiting for motivation to magically occur.
Links & Mentions:
Join The ADHD Club: www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhdclub
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In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas explores the themes of anxiety, permission, and growth, particularly for those navigating compassion, ADHD, and perfectionism. Michaela stresses the importance of honouring one’s energy and sensitivity while addressing anxiety gradually and compassionately. Using an example from Polly Lavarello's journey, Michaela illustrates how embodying leadership and facing anxiety can lead to significant growth. The episode also touches on Michaela’s Burn Bright coaching program, aimed at helping neurodivergent women grow without burning out. She encourages listeners to pursue growth gently and at their own pace.
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In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas talks with Lauren O'Carroll, an ADHD parenting coach, founder of Positively Parenting, and a mom of two. Lauren discusses the challenges of ADHD parenting, sharing her experiences and expertise on navigating executive dysfunction as both a parent and individual. She emphasises the importance of self-compassion, acceptance, and trusting oneself as a parent. The conversation delves into emotional regulation, the impact of neurodivergence on family life, and the need for community support. Lauren also touches on her upcoming book and membership program aimed at helping neurodivergent families thrive.
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Do you want another baby, but not sure if you can cope with it all again?Perhaps you're highly sensitive, or neurodivergent, and it was all too much first time? In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas is joined by Natalie Brunswick, a trauma and perinatal therapist, to discuss the complexities of deciding whether to have another baby after experiencing a difficult first journey - especially if being highly sensitive and neurodivergent. They delve into fears rooted in past trauma, the balancing act of desire to have another child, versus fears of not being able to cope, and the importance of self-compassion and robust support systems. The conversation emphasises the distinct needs of neurodivergent parents and the critical role of emotional healing and preparation in making informed parenting decisions. Resources and strategies are shared to help listeners navigate their own parenting journeys, no matter where they are in the decision-making process.
IG: @nataliebrunswick
https://www.nataliebrunswick.com/
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In this engaging podcast episode, the host welcomes James Brown to discuss a wide array of topics surrounding ADHD, including personal anecdotes, challenges of ADHD in modern life, and differences in how ADHD presents in men and women. The conversation sheds light on issues such as positive illusory bias, cognitive inhibition, emotional dysregulation, and the complexities of ADHD diagnoses. They delve into the difficulties that come with ADHD in relationships, the stigma and societal misconceptions, the importance of emotional acceptance, and the lifelong need for adaptive support. The episode is insightful, evidence-based, and filled with humor, making it a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding ADHD from personal and scientific perspectives.
James is a career science communicator who co-founded The ADHD Adults Podcast and the charity ADHDadultUK, and is co-author of the book ADHD Unpacked
www.jbhd.uk, www.ahdadult.uk, www.theadhdadults.uk
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In this episode, the host finally sits down with Anita Cleare, a developmental psychologist specialising in child development and parenting, particularly for working parents. Anita shares her journey from setting up local family services to working with corporate sectors to support working parents. The discussion covers key parenting challenges, such as dealing with teenage behavior, balancing boundaries and autonomy, and the importance of maintaining healthy relationships with children. Insights are provided on the common misconceptions parents have, the impact of striving for perfection, managing neurodivergent children, and the necessity of repair in parent- child relationships. Anita emphasises the importance of understanding and empathy over strict control and highlights the role of parents as partners in their children's developmental journey.
Instagram: @anitcleare_parenting
X: @thinking_parent
Facebook: ThePositiveParentingProject
LinkedIn: Anita Cleare
www.anitacleare.co.uk
https://www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/burn-bright
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In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas interviews Jess Rad, an award-winning speaker and advocate for gender equity and neurodiversity in the workplace. The conversation delves into the intersectionality of neurodivergence, hormonal imbalances, and perimenopause, particularly for women business owners and parents. Jess shares her personal journey, including her late diagnosis of neurodivergence, the impact of premature menopause, and her experience as a parent carer. They discuss the importance of self-awareness, self-compassion, and self-advocacy, as well as the need for allyship and systemic change. The episode also highlights Jess's initiatives like the Womenhood, a community-focused organisation, and her Neuro Curious events. Resources for additional support, particularly for those dealing with child-to-parent violence, are provided.
https://capafirstresponse.org/
Jess Rad LinkedIn
WomenHood Insta
WomenHood LinkedIn
Jess Rad Insta
Please tag all of them.
https://www.thewomenhood.com/
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In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas explores the consequences of executive dysfunction, inspired by a humorous yet insightful experience involving buying a pin that reads 'Well, well, well, if it isn't the consequences of my own executive dysfunction.' Michaela shares personal anecdotes about managing ADHD, perfectionism, and everyday mishaps, such as locking herself out of the house. Through stories of handling emergencies and finding humor in chaos, Michaela emphasizes the importance of self-compassion and practical strategies to mitigate the impact of executive dysfunction. She also highlights the value of seeking support and building systems to improve daily functioning.
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In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, Michaela Thomas, a clinical psychologist and expert on ADHD, compassion, and perfectionism, challenges herself to create an 11-minute solo podcast episode before her next coaching call. Michaela openly discusses the exuberance associated with ADHD and her encounter with Jessica Chivers, a chartered coaching psychologist. They shared their experiences and the importance of vulnerability in discussing the realities of running a business. Michaela emphasises that success isn't solely measured by income but by sustainable practices that allow freedom and flexibility. She highlights the need for support systems, self-compassion, and strategic decision-making. Further, Michaela encourages listeners to join the waitlist for her program, Burn Bright, which is designed to help business owners achieve success without sacrificing well-being.
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In this solo episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas discusses the importance of self-compassion and resilience when life gets tough, particularly as a neurodivergent parent and businesswoman. Michaela shares personal struggles following her eldest child's diagnosis and emphasises the need to build supportive systems that allow flexibility in balancing professional and personal responsibilities. She highlights the challenges of parenting neurodivergent children and the pressures of running a business. Michaela also mentions future podcast topics and guest appearances, urging listeners to go easy on themselves and providing resources for further support.
00:00 Welcome Back to Pause Purpose Play
00:35 Guest Episodes and Shoutouts
01:31 Navigating Neurodivergent Parenting
03:00 Building a Business That Supports Life
04:40 The Challenges of Parenting and Self-Compassion
06:16 Upcoming Podcast Episodes and Plans
09:32 Seasonal Affective Disorder and Personal Reflections
12:06 Final Thoughts and Support Systems
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In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas interviews Dr. Amber Johnston, a specialist in clinical health, pain management, and neuropsychology. Together, they explore common questions about the brain, debunk myths such as the '10 percent brain usage' theory, and discuss the differences between ADHD, neurodivergence, and giftedness. They delve into the science behind synaptic growth, neuroplasticity, and how individual experiences shape our brains. The episode provides insights on maintaining brain health through good habits, managing stress, and the importance of novelty for cognitive growth. The conversation also highlights the significance of compassion in addressing personal challenges and the relevance of understanding one's own neurological makeup to foster better mental health.
00:10 Meet Dr. Amber Johnston
00:32 Debunking Brain Myths
00:39 Understanding Brain Function
01:49 The Science of Habits
02:52 Revisiting the Brain's Complexity
04:40 Blood Flow and Brain Activation
08:34 Neuroplasticity and Brain Growth
12:23 Forming New Habits
20:57 The Role of Novelty in Brain Health
23:44 The Complexity of IQ and Intelligence
25:01 AI and Human Intelligence: A Comparative Analysis
25:56 The Role of Algorithms in Shaping Our Perceptions
26:58 The Function and Limitations of AI
28:11 Giftedness and Neurodivergence: A Deep Dive
33:23 The Impact of Early Attachment and Trauma
38:35 Balancing Stress and Eustress
40:00 The Importance of Intentional Rest and Play
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In this special episode of 'Pause Purpose Play,' Michaela is interviewed by her friend Dr. Claire Plumley as they celebrate the podcast surpassing 200 episodes. Michaela discusses the inception of her podcast during the COVID-19 pandemic, the impact it has had on listeners, and her motivations for starting it. The conversation explores Michaela's journey, her experiences with ADHD, and the challenge of balancing planning with spontaneous creativity. They talk about Michaela's various projects, including Burnbright, her associate practice, and other ventures. Moreover, Michaela shares personal anecdotes, reflections on her favourite episodes, and strategies she employs for self-care and emotional regulation. This episode offers listeners an intimate look into Michaela's experiences and the evolution of her podcast, along with valuable insights for entrepreneurs and content creators.
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Having trouble sleeping? Join for some useful tips as Clinical Psychologist Michaela Thomas chats with the brilliant Dr. Ranj Singh - NHS Doctor, Furniture Village Sleep and Wellness Ambassador and TV presenter - about sleep, anxiety and wellbeing.
Discover how sleep is linked with hormone regulation, anxiety, stress, burnout - and even ADHD.
Dr. Ranj shares his top tips for better sleep hygiene, managing stress, and sprinkling some self-compassion into your daily routine. Plus, hear how Dr Ranj handles criticism from social media trolls with grace, and why dancing like nobody's watching might just be the lift we all need.
Ready to give yourself permission to have better sleep? Tune in now!
Connect with Dr Ranj Singh on Instagram: @drranj
We cover:
01:06 The Importance of Sleep
04:22 Short-term and Long-term Effects of Poor Sleep
07:44 Improving Sleep Quality
13:40 Self-Compassion and Sleep
18:05 Purpose and Meaning in Life
24:41 Navigating Social Media and Comparison
28:00 Balancing Inspiration and Pressure
29:33 The Reality of Imperfection
33:19 Finding Joy in Social Connections
38:34 The Power of Authenticity
44:46 Handling Criticism and Social Media
48:19 Final Takeaways and Self-Compassion
Think your sleeping problems are linked with ADHD?Take a look at Michaela’s ADHD membership community, The ADHD Club:www.thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhdclub
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In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas interviews Jade Cook, founder and lead facilitator of Spectrum Community Arts. The conversation explores Jade's experiences with her neurodivergent brain while running a business, the significance of formal diagnoses, and the importance of self-compassion.Michaela discusses the benefits of diagnosis beyond self-identification, including access to support, and provides resources for those considering the assessment process.
https://thethomasconnection.co.uk/adhd/
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In this New Year 2025 episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela discusses the challenges neurodivergent individuals face with New Year's resolutions. She encourages listeners to set intentions that prioritise well-being and self-care over traditional achievement goals. Michaela shares her yearly themes and advises balancing effort and ease, being realistic, and surrendering to one's unique needs. She invites listeners to reflect on their intentions and emphasises the importance of compassionate, sustainable practices for lasting change.
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In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Mikayla Thomas, a clinical psychologist specializing in compassion, ADHD, and perfectionism, delves deep into the concept of shame, particularly among individuals with ADHD. Thomas explains how shame, often external and stemming from societal judgment, exacerbates the struggles of those with ADHD. She discusses the importance of self-compassion in breaking the 'shame spiral' and offers practical advice on how to manage shame and adopt a more understanding and supportive approach towards oneself. Thomas also emphasises the need for compassionate assessments and provides various strategies to counteract shame and create sustainable change.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
00:37 Understanding the Shame Spiral
01:49 External Sources of Shame
03:59 Compassion as a Solution
05:35 Practical Tips for Self-Compassion
10:03 Impact of Negative Comments
12:30 Breaking the Cycle of Shame
13:05 Conclusion and Final Thoughts
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In this episode of the Pause Purpose Play podcast, host Michaela Thomas, a clinical psychologist, discusses the intersection of ADHD and mental health. Michaela explains the importance of authentic self-representation and her approach to ADHD assessments. She addresses the link between ADHD and challenges such as anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and burnout. Michaela explains why obtaining an ADHD diagnosis can be beneficial, how it can provide clarity, and how it helps in understanding one’s strengths, challenges, and necessary accommodations. The episode emphasizes the importance of compassionate ADHD assessments and offers an insight into Michaela's unique approach, including both in-person and virtual options.
00:00 Welcome and Introduction
01:06 Understanding ADHD Assessments
03:26 Exploring Neurodivergence and Mental Health
05:36 The Importance of ADHD Diagnosis
06:58 ADHD and Emotional Well-being
10:51 Perfectionism and Coping Mechanisms
13:26 Final Thoughts and Next Steps
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